A Massachusetts man has admitted guilt in a diverse set of fraud schemes spanning sober home operations, insulation businesses, mortgage lenders, and exploitation of federal pandemic-related loans. Daniel Cleggett, 38, of Kingston, previously residing in Braintree and Quincy, entered his plea in a federal court in Boston. His charges include wire fraud conspiracy, mortgage fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to mortgage lending businesses.
Arrested in March 2023 with Nicholas Espinosa, a co-conspirator, Cleggett operated several sober homes in the Boston area through his business A Vision From God LLC and purportedly defrauded a family trust out of thousands for a client's housing costs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The operation exploited vulnerable individuals seeking recovery, and the false claims included overcharging for room and board and fraudulent invoicing.
In Cleggett's related insulation enterprise, he engaged in fraud concerning the Mass Save Program, a public/private initiative funded by Massachusetts utility customers. Cleggett's companies, including Green Save Energy Corporation and Environmental Construction Objective Inc., received payments for work, including permits that were never acquired. Despite being banned from the program, Cleggett continued to bill under new business names.
Moreover, Cleggett fraudulently attained almost $800,000 through Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications, under the guise of business necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds ostensibly earmarked for "working capital" were misappropriated on personal indulgences such as vacations, a wine and caviar dinner, even a $37,997 wedding, as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney's Office. These actions not only abused public trust but also diverted critical resources from legitimate pandemic relief efforts.
The weight of the law looms, with potential sentences for these crimes reaching 20 to 30 years and hefty fines. Cleggett will face his sentencing on March 31, 2025, whereas Espinosa, who pleaded guilty earlier on October 3, 2024, awaits his sentencing on March 11, 2025. This case is being brought to a close due to the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including internal revenue and the FBI, with acknowledgments owing to the cooperation of the Kingston, Randolph, and Quincy Police Departments.
